So today we had the half day long briefing and then a tour of the base. So much info in such a short period of time. How I'm going to remember it all will be a miracle. Time and experience are how I'm going to learn this base, that's for sure.
We had the dilemma of housing today. We can choose to live on or off base as civilians and the housing off base may be ugly on the outside, but they're big and beautiful on the inside. However, we'd be away from the other kids on base and my kids wouldn't have commadradary off base. I think it's important to make the kids feel welcome and be able to enjoy it. I mean, we did move them around the world and away from everything that was stable in their life.
So, after filling out a ton more of paperwork we picked up the kids from a fellow teacher's house and then looked at a few 4 bedroom houses that are available on base. There were only 3 options left, so basically we're getting the last pickings that nobody else wanted. Ugly base housing that made me cry when I saw it. It's going to take a miracle to make it look pretty. LOL, like that's what life is all about right? A pretty house... Not. So, we're taking a place right next to one of the teachers who befriended us. I think I'll be okay. I might stick my nose up at it at first, but I'll get used to it. Bogie said he'd get me some pretty Turkish rugs, and lamps and make me a new dining room set. So, with those things, I might be able to make it feel warm and welcoming inside.
After that we had dinner with Dave and Beth who are the Young Life youth coordinators on base and they have many connections with many of our friends from Chicago. There's a reason God sent us here and it may be for them. I'm not quite sure yet, but it's proabably multi-level. I can only think on one level at a time with this finite brain. I never was good at chess. ;)
However, I can see many reasons unfolding before my eyes every day I'm here. This base needs a lot of love. The divorce, alcohol abuse and suicide rate is extremely high here. It seems like a pressure cooker atmosphere where everyone is overworked and under paid. Low staffed and money is tight. Just like everywhere else in the world.
Well, our time with Dave and Beth was so much fun and they are some really cool people. Glad to have met them.
Sounds like you're settling in okay! I'm glad you've met other people all ready and are starting to make friends - with your winning personality, I knew it wouldn't take long!
ReplyDeleteSorry the base housing is ugly. :( I advise lots of pictures - that's what I did in Zambia, so I had something to look at other than the dirty walls. And let me know if I can send you anything to help make it pretty!